Local Music

Graeme Shields, a composer and organist who recently completed a master's degree in composition at the Western Michigan University School of Music, tells Cara Lieurance about his upcoming solo recital at Milwood United Methodist Church, at 3 pm on Sunday, Sep 30.

It's a showcase for two of his current passions: new music written for organ, including the premiere of his work "...And music shall untune the sky", and a recently-developed "kid's organ." The Orgelkids instrument is a build-it-yourself organ that allows children and anyone to gain an understanding of how the "king of instruments" really works.

Shields will feature the Orgelkids instrument in his Milwood recital and on Friday, Oct 5, in an Art Hop event at Sarkozy Bakery.

The Folias Duo, flutist Carmen Maret and guitarist Andrew Bergeron, presents the opening concert of the 2018 Grand Rapids Community College International Guitar Series, next Thursday, October 4th, at 7:30pm, in the Albert P. Smith Music Center, 142 Ransom Ave NE in Grand Rapids. The program will consist of works composed by Maret and Bergeron, including the world premiere of the recently completed Concerto Garita, co-composed by the Folias Duo members. Listen to their recent interview with Jack Perlstein.

In an interview with Cara Lieurance, director Kathy Mulay and actors Jody Briskey and Annie Yokom set the stage for an evening at Farmers Alley Theatre honoring the life and art one of the most popular and beloved performers of the 20th century: Judy Garland.

Beyond the Rainbow: The Judy Garland Musical examines a woman adored by millions, who began her professional career at age 4. Garland earned iconic status by age 14 with her portrayal of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, but even then she was beginning a lifelong struggle with self-confidence and drug dependency. Her legendary 1961 come-back Carnegie Hall concert serves as a starting and returning point in this production, which features four actresses playing Judy at different stages in her life.

The show features several songs Garland made her own, including "Get Happy", "Stormy Weather", "The Trolley Song", "That's Entertainment", and, of course, "Over the Rainbow."

Ashley and Benje Daneman, founders of the Jazz and Creative Institute, started the Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra last fall. Since then, they have seen a spike of interest in learning jazz in the Kalamazoo region. They're now able to offer jazz lessons to people of all ages with Jazz Academy, which offers weekly 30- or 60-minute lessons, plus group sessions and public concerts. On Sunday, they and other faculty members will host an open house to give anyone a chance to ask questions, see the teaching studios, and witness a jazz session hosted by the faculty members of the Academy. The open house is Sunday, Sep 23 from 3 - 6 pm at 310 N. Rose Street. The Danemans gave Cara Lieurance a preview.